Uterine Fibroids Specialist

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from muscle tissue of the uterus. The size, shape, and location vary, and a woman can have a single or multiple fibroids. The rate of growth also varies, with some proliferating while others stagnate for years.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many women can have fibroids without symptoms. Other women experience menstrual irregularity and lower abdominal pressure. Common symptoms are:

• Heavy, irregular, and prolonged periods
• Spotting between periods
• Anemia
• Pain in the lower abdomen and back
• Bowel and bladder problems

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Dr. Fan may suspect that you have fibroids during a routine annual bimanual examination. To confirm the diagnosis and get more information on size, shape, and location, she orders some tests such as:

• Ultrasonography
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

What are the best treatment options for me?

Small fibroids that do not cause any symptoms in women nearing menopause are best left alone But, large fibroids causing menstrual and pressure problems, and infertility do require definitive treatment.

Dr. Fan performs a complete evaluation based on a bimanual examination and laboratory test and develops the best possible individualized treatment. Some common treatments are:

• Medical management
• Hysteroscopy and tissue ablation by Myosure®
• Endometrial ablation by Novasure®
• Myomectomy
• Uterine artery embolization

Myosure®

Myosure tissue ablation system is a simple and efficient outpatient procedure to remove small fibroids and polyps in the uterine cavity without removing the uterus. 

Novasure®

Novasure is a quick procedure done as an outpatient for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and small fibroids. The endometrial lining is ablated using the Novasure device. Small fibroids and polyps are removed during the procedure. It is reserved for patients who don’t want children in the future.  

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is best reserved for tumors that are large, causing distortion of endometrial cavity and are embedded in the uterine wall. Myomectomy is often the surgical option for women with large fibroids who have still want children, as it leaves the uterus intact.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE)

In this office procedure, blood supply to the fibroid is cut off, causing it to shrink. This procedure is done by an interventional radiologist. 

To learn more about the latest, most advanced treatments available for uterine fibroids, call or book an appointment online today.